Remembering the best and worst about Windows 10 on the year it technically “died”

As we navigate through 2025, it marks a significant moment for Windows 10, the operating system that has officially reached its end-of-support date on October 14. While Microsoft has long communicated this timeline, the reality for many users is more nuanced. Home users can easily extend their security updates for an additional year with minimal effort, while educational institutions and businesses can benefit from two extra years of support. Additionally, essential applications such as Edge and Windows Defender will continue to receive updates until at least 2028. This pivotal year also signifies a shift in user preferences, as Windows 11 has officially surpassed Windows 10 in terms of market share. According to StatCounter, as of February 2025 in the U.S. and July 2025 globally, Windows 10's usage has dropped from over 44% to just under 31%, as reflected in the Steam Hardware Survey. With the cessation of official support, many games, applications, and drivers are beginning to phase out or reduce their compatibility with Windows 10. Historically, Windows 10 is regarded as one of the more successful versions of Microsoft's operating systems, earning its place as the most widely adopted version since Windows XP. This popularity persists despite the fact that many of the features users now criticize in Windows 11 originated during the Windows 10 era. As we prepare to bid farewell to Windows 10, it is essential to reflect on its successes, the foundations it laid for future versions, and the challenges that have only intensified since the launch of Windows 11.